Whilst much is written about the place that sport has had in the life of St Margaret’s, we cannot overlook the impact of the arts – music, drama and art. Earliest records show that there was a music mistress on staff from 1898. The Link reports in 1913 that the first production that the school performed was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – it was to be the first fundraiser – and a school chapel was to be the recipient of the funds. It was performed in the front garden of what is now Community House. An art mistress was added to the staff shortly after.

Throughout our history, dramatic and musical performances have been performed by the girls of St Margaret’s. A Philharmonic Society was introduced in 1917 which held regular musical evenings to entertain students and staff. Their first venture was a tribute to Handel. Students would often attend musical performances by visiting artists.

By 1929, the study of drama was included in the curriculum and music, singing and acting were a regular part of interhouse competitions as well as numerous recitals put on for the pleasurable entertainment of all! There is mention of some of the boarders attending a performance by Yehudi Menuhin, no less!

The Darnell Art Centre was opened in 1933 – a new innovation which reflected just how important art was considered by the Sisters. The internationally renowned sculptor, Daphne Mayo (an Old Girl of the school) was invited back to open the building!

In 1935, the production of Merrie England was a great success. The Princess Theatre at Annerley was used as the venue, such was its popularity!

Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore was the first musical staged in the newly opened Eton Hall in 1949 (it was performed again in 1954, 1966 and 1972 – obviously, it was deemed both highly suitable and very easy to stage!). Eton Hall proved a worthy setting for many more performances of favoured musicals and drama productions. In 1995, to mark the school’s centenary, a pageant was staged to portray the school’s history.

Musicals have continued to be the focus of the art productions, and now they are staged every two years at outside venues as the cast and the audience have outgrown Eton Hall. The Jean Trundle Drama competition was hotly contested by St Margaret’s for many years with our school bringing home first place on numerous occasions.

The Archive Centre has been the recipient of numerous costumes, director’s notes, programs and run sheets, and for this, we are very grateful. Many of the performances saw a combination of artistic skills in the form of acting, dancing and singing, not to mention the artistic endeavours of our artists in preparing backdrops and program covers.

All programs which fall under the heading of “The Arts” continue to thrive and grow here at St Margaret’s. The talented staff in all areas are able to nurture and highlight the skills of our students.

Per Volar Sunata

Mary Surtees
Archivist